The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) gathered together with leadership from each First Nation community in Southern Manitoba on Wednesday and Thursday in Dakota Tipi First Nation.

Dakota Tipi First Nation Chief Eric Pashe explains it was originally intended to facilitate an election for their Grand Chief.

"With the acclamation of Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, the election wasn't held," notes Pashe. "So, within that, we had arranged for an alternate agenda with respect to some of the items and issues that we've been working on in Southern Chiefs' organization."

He notes those issues include improving their service delivery and looking at other ways to improve their overall conditions.

Pashe says MLA and Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Eileen Clarke was there and addressed the group, answering many questions and statements. He says she has been involved in many dialogues with respect to ongoing issues that are affecting a lot of their first nations communities.

"MLA Wab Kinew was here as well," continues Pashe. "And we had a number of guests that are going to be providing presentations."

Provincial Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont was also there and heard the presentations made by SCO chiefs, and greeted the crowd.

Pashe outlines the value of the SCO.

"They've been doing a lot of great work," Pashe adds. "I'd like to see that continue, and to continue the advocacy of Grand Chief Daniels on behalf of all of us here in Southern Manitoba and the First Nations communities which that encompasses."

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

Left to right: Tootinaowaziibeeng Chief Barry McKay, Skownan Chief Cameron Catcheway, Lake Manitoba Chief Cornell McLean, Brokenhead Chief Deborah Smith, MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee (back), SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, Ebb and Flow Chief Wayne Desjarlais (back), Poplar River Chief Vera Mitchell, Dakota Tipi Chief Eric Pashe, Jackhead FN Chief Dave Traverse, Proxy Dakota Plains Chief Don Smoke, Proxy Little Saskatchewan Chief Leroy Thompson, Bloodvein Chief Roland Hamilton, Little Grand Rapids Chief Raymond Keeper, Sagkeeng Chief Derek Henderson (front)